BioFerr™ 90

Warning: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

Inactive Ingredients:

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:

Oral iron is absorbed most efficiently when administered between meals. Iron is critical for normal hemoglobin synthesis to maintain oxygen transport for energy production and proper function of cells. Adequate amounts of iron are necessary for effective erythropolesis. Iron also serves as a cofactor of several essential enzymes, Including cytochromes, which are involved in electron transport. Folic acid is required for nucleoprotein synthesis and the maintenance of normal erytropolesis. Folic acid is the precursor of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved as a cofactor for transformylation reactions In the biosynthesis of purines and thymidylates of nucleic acids. Deficiency of folic acid may account for the defective deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis that leads to megaloblast formation and megaloblastic macrocytic anemias. Vitamin B12 is essential to growth, cell reproduction, hematopolesis, nucleic acid, and myelin synthesis. Deficiency may result in megaloblastic anemia or pernicious anemia.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE:

BioFerr™ 90 is indicated for the treatment of all anemias that are responsive to oral iron therapy. These include: hypochromic anemia associated with pregnancy, chronic and/or acute blood loss, metabolic disease, post-surgical convalescence, and dietary needs.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Hemolytic anemia, hemochromatosis, and hemosiderosis are contraindications to iron therapy.

WARNING:

Folic acid alone is improper therapy in the treatment of pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anemia where vitamin B12 is deficient.

PRECAUTIONS:

General:

Take 2 hours after meals. Do not exceed recommended dose. Discontinue use if symptoms of intolerance appear. The type of anemia and underlying cause or causes should be determined before starting therapy with BioFerr™ 90 tablets. Ensure Hgb, Hct, and reticulocyte count are determined before starting therapy to determine if it needs to be continued without change or if a dose change is indicated. This product contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.

Folic Acid:

Folic acid in doses above 0.1 mg daily may obscure pernicious anemia in that hematologic remission can occur while neurological manifestations remain progressive. Pernicious anemia should be excluded before using these products since folic acid may mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia.

Pediatric Use:

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use:

Dosing for elderly patients should be administered with caution. Due to the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy, dosing should start at the lower end of the dosing range.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

Adverse reactions with iron therapy may include GI irritation, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dark stools. Adverse reactions with iron therapy are usually transient. Allergic sensitization has been reported following both oral and parenteral administration of folic acid.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Prescriber should be aware of a number of iron/drug interactions, including antacids, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones.